Three years had passed since I last climbed Bald Mountain, the last significant outcropping of the Western Huron Mountains. My first visit was a significant milestone for me, as it was the first non-waterfall hike I attempted in the Upper Peninsula. This initial climb triggered a long and lasting interest in the Huron Mountains and other UP features that still drives the majority of my hikes. Today I was revisiting Bald Mountain in the winter again both to commemorate the anniversary and find something that eluded me three years ago - a clear view of Lake Superior to the north.
Leaving my car just off of Erick’s road, where snow plows had cleared some extra room at the two-track leading to the mountain, I headed north along week-old snowmobile impressions. The snow was not deep with this winter’s frequent melting spells and the few times I stepped off the snowmobile tracks I only sunk down a foot or so. A few animals also used this two-track (left from the Mead forest planting just south of Bald Mountain), either because the managed pine forest ahead was growing thick or the trails exposure to the sun left the snow layer relative thin. I turned east when the route split and made my way through the forest, surprised by the tree’s quick growth over the last few years.
While the two-track offers a few good views of the mountain, especially when it twists back north, I was eager to cut off the trail a bit early. There is a large pond or swamp directly below Bald Mountain’s southeast slope that I wanted to check out. The snow deepened quickly in the woods so I followed as many deer tracks as possible (when enough of them follow the same route they make a great ground-level path) until I reached a wide open expanse of snow. The snow was surprisingly deep for the level of sun this spot received (I sunk in well past my thighs) but it offered an excellent view of the southern slope of Bald Mountain.
As tempting as it was to cross directly to the mountain here, the lack of animal tracks and lack of knowledge of what exactly was under the snow kept me in the woods. I headed west to the tip of the clearing where a snow-covered ridge showed a possible beaver dam holding back the water. Crossing on the ridge I started climbing the mountain. There are actually three main peaks (not counting the ridges that stretch northward). This triangle points north with valleys within each of the connecting sides. I climbed up a familiar route inside the south valley, between two peaks. The snow was deep and I quickly cut up to the west, leaning towards the exposed rock outcroppings on the southwest peak. It didn’t take long to reach the tallest of the three peaks.
This was the point where I turned around three years ago. A thick blizzard had blocked all views and Cory, Logan and I were all cold and disheartened. Today was different, with the bright sun and clear skies inviting me further. I tumbled down the steep slope and continued north to the next peak. The valley in between the three peaks was awesome in itself. Protected and peaceful, this felt like it would make a great camping site in inclement weather. Walking through the valley I climbed up the northern peak of Bald Mountain and was greeted with the exact view of Lake Superior I was hoping for.
I spent a good chunk of time wandering along the northern peak enjoying the views. A ridge that stretches east to west, there was a lot of good outcroppings and spots to check out. Another similar ridge rises up just to the north, blocking all of the Huron Islands, but I could still make out Point Abbaye and the Keweenaw easily. It was tempting to continue north to try to see these islands, but I decided that could wait for a summer day and backtracked down the mountain.
The western Huron Mountains are a great place to see some great views without worrying about private property. Most of the peaks are on public commercial forest land, including Bald Mountain. The Huron Mountain Club has been buying up land near here, including pieces of Superior/Clause Mountain just to the east, so I’d recommend visiting this area sooner rather than later.
The Riddler
Jacob, Between the two peaks, the two most northernly two, there is a two track that heads down the mountain dead west. This is a place that mOOse Trax and I named Stone Canyon. Starting at the top heading west it is rockface on both sides, hence the name we gave it. It eventually curves down west then southwest and spills out on the first two track on the east side of Big Erick's Bridge. The two rut that is just east of the huron river on the north side. In summer the two track is pure nasty blow sand which makes for a hard walk or quad ride and the trail hardens the closer you get to Ole Baldy.
From between the peaks at the top if you head east then south east stratling the same elevation about a quarter mile on the right is a depression in the mountain with rock faces on both sides. Kinda like a little canyon. In that canyon on the right there is the largest Old Growth Pine that I have ever seen. It was left untouched because it had grown out of the side of a super steep rock-outcropping half way up, protected from generations of saws. It stands all by itself. Kind of our "General Sherman" of the mid-west. It has to be more than seven or eight feet in diameter at the base.
Jacob Emerick
One of these days I need to return to this mountain again... I'd really like to make a triangle of sorts that connects Mouth of Huron, Mouth of Little Huron, and Bald Mountain. Hopefully I'd be able to catch that Old Growth and the Canyon along the way. But it might be a bit ambitious, especially if I get tired half way. I've never been down that two-track - does it go all the way to the lakeshore?
Laura
More info on this. Would rather talk by email before posting
Jim and Nancy Haun
Our first visit to Bald Mountain was in 1980-the Skanee Historical Society were going on a hike and we were invited-we were concerned that we wouldn't (we were in our 30's then) be able to keep up with the youthful group. We needn't have worried-Marvin Hanson was the leader and he was in his 70's! Quite alot of the group were older. Directly across from the marsh is a two-track that takes you to the base of the mountain. Marvin knew the most direct-easy route up the mountain and even with his guidance not everyone was able to make it-but if someone wants an "easier" way up-this would be it. I would love to see those Pine trees-please take photos if you go!
Jacob Emerick
Absolutely. I can't wait to explore the north side of this mountain. There is a ton of outcroppings (and those giant pines) left to hunt down!
If you've been up Bald - have you tried the unnamed peak to the southeast? http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=46.86785,-88.02757&z=15&t=T It's a fairly short and quick climb with a heck of a view. That's the hike that got me hooked on the mountains to the east, Superior and Tick and such.
Brett
Jacob - Do you think it's possible to get to the base by the swamp via the unnamed road in the link below via 4WD car? The hike from Erik's Bridge might be a bit ambitious. https://goo.gl/maps/qaDRZ - Please email me as I have a couple visual questions regarding the route. Thanks!
Jacob Emerick
Hi Brett - yes, absolutely! That road was a bit overgrown on my previous visits, but it's easy (and short) enough to walk down. And once you get to that swamp just skirt around the west side. The canyon opens up right by the swamp and you can take it straight up to the top.
I've heard that you can also come up from the west, from the road that runs along Huron River, but I haven't tried that route yet. It'd be a bit shorter of a drive depending on the state of the road.
If you have any other questions just let me know and I'll ping you at the address from the comment!
Brett
My fiancee and I hiked Bald Mountain on 10/2/15. We skirted the west side of swamp and meandered up the eastern peak. Great views of the Hurons and everything south from there. We then hiked the canyon to the western peak for more amazing views. We hung out at that peak for a while just taking in the beauty of the area. The canyon was marked fairly well with pink ribbon but we missed it on the way up, but took the canyon down. Thanks so much for the detail and response on this hike! This blog is a great resource for those of us who want to try to explore the Hurons as best we can - keep it up! I have pictures to share - just email me and I'll send them to you if you like.
Jacob Emerick
Glad to hear that the hike went well! Hope the colors were starting... heard that they're a bit behind schedule this year. I'll definitely be emailing you soon, Bald Mountain is one of those places that I really miss about Michigan.